Question
Mark,

I am buiding a loose-laid paver patio in my house. I am going to start laying the base material and the sand layer. After researching all around the Internet for information about this type of patio design, I wrote a long list of the materials needed for base and sand layers. However, I cannot find any of those in my local area. I did found a guy who is selling me as base material "Limerock 57" and for the sand layer he is selling me "250 sand with crushed shells". Are those good materials to use in my case. Thank you very much for your help.

Alfonso

Answer
Hello,

The materials you mention will work. Basically,for a sub base you should use an angular interlocking gravel no more than 1-1/2 maximum size. I would also suggest you look into using a woven soil stabilization geotextile under the sub base. This will decrease settlement of the sub base into the underlying soil and thus prevent settling and cracking of the pavers. Consider also using the fabric under the sand base. This will further stabilize the sand and prevent the sand from leaching into the gravel base below.

A geogrid (which has a more open weave than woven soil stabilization geotextile) could also be used underneath the gravel base but I do not think it could be used for the sand base since the weaving spaces would be too large.

There are types of finely crushed stone used in place of sand and you might also consider that,if its available in your area. Basically,the sand should be as course as possilbe. I apologize for not answering you sooner but I had computer problems. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/724-104627/Landscaping-Design/Mark.htm